The impact of the Mfecane on trade in Southern Africa was

Source: JAMB · 2024

The impact of the Mfecane on trade in Southern Africa was

  1. Disruption of existing trade routes and establishment of new ones ✓
  2. The decline of trade networks due to increased conflict
  3. Enhancement of trade relations with European traders
  4. The integration of African trade systems with European markets
Explanation

The Mfecane wars destroyed old trade routes across southern Africa. Refugees and new kingdoms created different trading patterns. Some routes collapsed while others emerged in safer areas.

Trade didn’t completely decline; it shifted to new routes. European trade relations weren’t enhanced during this chaotic period. Integration with European markets came later with colonization.

The Mfecane reorganized southern African geography and economics. New power centers meant new trade networks.

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